5 Classic Things To Tick Off Your Sydney Bucket List
There’s nowhere else on earth quite like Sydney. Australia’s largest city effortlessly combines the sunshine and surf with cosmopolitan city vibes. In one day you can brunch at Bondi, climb the iconic bridge and boogie down at the city’s best bars.
Here are five classic Sydney experiences you absolutely must add to your Sydney bucket list.
1. Sydney Fish Market Tour and Cooking Class
Start your day at Sydney Fish Market and be captivated by the auction at the largest seafood market in the South Hemisphere. In a couple of hours, more than 50 tons of food are traded using a Dutch reverse auction method that dates back hundreds of years.
The diversity of seafood available at Sydney Fish Market makes it stand out from all the other markets around the world. Join one of the guided morning tours and learn how our food journeys from the ocean to our plates and discover all the seafood options beyond salmon, prawns and trout that you can cook at home.
For a deeper culinary experience knowledge, attend an excellent cooking class at Sydney Seafood School, located upstairs from the auction. The school is equipped with a modern kitchen for you to practice and improve your skills.
This is an incredibly fun experience and educational activity to do in Sydney, so be sure to add it to your itinerary!
2. Harbour Bridge Climb
Feel like you are conquering the world when you and your group climb more than 1,300 steps up during the Harbour Bridge Climb. Once you’ve made it to the top of the iconic arch, you will get the best 360-degree view of the fabulous city of Sydney. Not only will you see stunning panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the CBD, but also you will have your heart racing from climbing along the catwalks on the inner and outer arches of the bridge. It’s one of the best experiences to do in Sydney.
Choose whatever option suits you best. The express version is perfect if you don’t have much time, or the dawn, sunset or night climbs, ideal if you want to enjoy the prettiest skies and admire the iconic Sydney’s skyline from above. As you climb up, you’ll discover the history behind the famous bridge, and how six million rivets keep the world’s fourth largest single span bridge together.
3. Dine in Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a delicious hotspot and a favourite neighbourhood among both locals and visitors, making it a must-add to your Sydney’s bucket list. It’s full of bars, restaurants, tourist attractions and great shopping, offering endless entertainment and dining options.
Enjoy their racks of mouthwatering ribs at Hurricanes Grill. When making a reservation, be sure to request a table on the outer deck for the best views. Across the water you will find Café Del Mar, offering an infusion of Mediterranean, North African and European dishes. If you’ve got a big appetite, you can’t beat the quality, value and variety at Braza, a Brazilian Churrascaria where different cuts of grilled meat are served right at your table.
For something, a little less formal, drop into the food court inside the Harbourside Mall where you can pick up a cheap lunch and find a bench by the waterfront.
Darling Harbour is more than delicious restaurants (even though it has plenty of those). Visit one of the theatres, drop into The Star Casino, meet your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Sydney and get lost in the Chinese Garden of Friendship. If you are travelling with children, visit Wild Life Sydney Zoo and let kids splash about in the waterpark, or go Kingpin Bowling.
4. Surf at Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach, a perfect golden crescent with squeaky white sand and rolling waves, is well deserving of its reputation as the world’s best urban beach.
You can either lounge with the rest of the sunworshippers on Australia’s most famous beach, or you could get your heart racing trying to catch the swell. If you’ve always wanted to try surfing, there’s no better place to hit the waves.
You can rent a surfboard for a couple of hours at Let’s Go Surfing, or, if you’ve never tried surfing before, book a lesson with one of the instructors. Riding your first wave at Bondi Beach is an unforgettable achievement.
Head to Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving club for a post-surf beer, enjoy an amazing brunch at one of the hip cafes by the water, or just walk the famous Bondi to Bronte coastal walk for some extra exercise.
5. Sydney Opera House Tour
Last but not least, a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House is an absolute must on your Sydney’s bucket list. Discover the hidden details of the Opera House on a daily tour, exploring its different auditoriums and uncovering intriguing facts along the way. The dramatic history of the engineering, design, and construction of Australia’s most famous building is worthy of an opera itself.
There are more than 2,500 performances a year, so you should definitely book a ticket to see a show while you’re in town. There’s almost certainly something happening on stage that day.
The Opera House didn’t get off to a good start as it opened 10 years behind schedule and went 1,357% over budget. Yet today, it’s currently the most visited attraction, not only in Sydney, but in Australia. It never fails to inspire awe and wonder. Worth it, we say.
Sydney Essential FAQ
What is the best way to get around Sydney?
Sydney’s excellent public transport system is the easiest and quickest way to move around the city. You won’t be stuck in traffic, and you’ll save money. Most of Sydney’s top attractions are well-connected, so you can either take a bus, train, or a ferry to reach your destination. Walking is also another great way of visiting the city and if you have time, we recommend getting lost to discover some hidden gems along the way.
What is the best time of year to visit Sydney?
The best time to visit Sydney is during Australia’s spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). The weather is pleasantly mild, not too hot or cold, and there are fewer tourists around, which means no long lines and overcrowded attractions. Summer can get crowded and hot, while winter is mild but still a bit cooler.
How long should you spend in Sydney to experience its main attractions?
In other to tick off all the items of your Syndey’s bucket list, you will need at least 2-3 days. Nonetheless, a week would be ideal as you would have more time to enjoy yourself and explore around the city. Be sure to check which landmarks are a must-see.
What are the must try foods when you visit Sydney?
When visiting Sydney, you must try one of the most popular Aussie snacks: meat pies. Don’t miss having fish and chips by the beach and trying the Sydney rock oysters, which you can buy fresh at the Sydney Fish Market. For those with a sweet tooth, we recommend Tim Tams, a classic chocolate biscuit, and pavlova, a delicious meringue-based dessert! Australia has a big coffee culture, so make sure to order a flat white at one of the many trendy cafés.
Can beginners surf at Bondi Beach?
Yes, of course. Bondi Beach is one of the best spots in Sydney for new surfers. It has plenty of surf schools offering lessons. If surfing is an experience you want to do in Sydney, rent s board and learn how to ride the waves. Experienced instructors will help you learn the basics, but also while ensuring you feel safe with someone in the water.
What's the best way to get to Bondi Beach from the city?
The best way of getting to Bondi Beach from the city is by taking a bus or train. The X74 bus runs directly from Circular Quay to Bondi Beach. Alternatively, you can also take the train to Bondi Junction and then transfer to a bus for a short ride to the beach. You will be surfing or sunbathing in no time!
What should you wear when visiting the Sydney Opera House?
If you are going to attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House, it is the perfect opportunity to dress up and wear your most fashionable clothes. While there is no strict dress code, we recommend slightly more formal attire for night shows. However, you should always wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable!
